Hospital bed

ABSTRACT

The present inventions relates generally to a hospital bed which is secured to a vertical wall structure and which supports a patient. The apparatus includes a support frame, a transfer underlay, means for suspending the transfer underlay and means for adjusting the support frame. Specifically, the support frame has both a vertically and horizontally extending arm portions. The means for adjusting the support frame is connected to the vertical extending arm portion and to the vertical wall structure for lifting and lowering the support frame as well as for rotating the support frame about the axis of the vertically extending arm portion. The means for suspending the transfer underlay suspends the transfer underlay from underneath the horizontally extending arm portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bed, particularly to a patient bed.

The beds known in the prior art, particularly patient or hospital beds,comprise an underlay, frame and legs which are generally provided withwheels. On top of the underlay there is located a mattress on which thepatient rests.

There are patient groups such as chronically non-ambulant old people,who need hospital treatment but are fairly little moved within thenursing facilities. For these patient groups the conventional patientbeds are problematic. Moving the patients away from the bed and back iscumbersome. In connection with basic nursing, the repeated lifting ofnon-ambulant patients is necessary.

Another problem is that generally at least two nurses are needed forcarrying out basic nursing measures, because one nurse should not do theshifting or lifting of the patient alone. Particularly the care ofchronic patients in conventional beds requires a lot of personnel.Continuous lifting and shifting of the patients cause spinal symptomsand defects to the nurses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above mentioneddrawbacks.

According to the invention, the bed comprises an underlay for thepatient; a support frame, provided with at least one support member,which is arranged above the underlay; and suspension means such asstraps, whereby the underlay is suspended from the support member.

Thus the essential element of the support frame of the bed of theinvention is the support member, the number whereof is advantageouslyone or two. The support member is arranged in the patient room or othersuitable space at a suitable height, such as 1.5 . . . 2.5 m, and isattached to the structures of the premises by means of other elements ofthe support frame, such as one or more wall or roof fastener and/orvertical support. The same support member can also be employed as thesuspension support of several, for instance two, separate underlays.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the underlay is attached withsuspension means to the support member, so that the support points arelocated at a distance from each other, and that at least one of thesupport points is located outside the line drawn via two or more supportpoints.

This fastening by three or more points secures that the underlay issuspended in a stabile fashion to the support member of the supportframe. Thus the underlay does not easily swing from side to side, and incase it does swing during the nursing measures, the winging motion iseasily attenuated.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the support member is formed of anessentially horizontal elongate bar, the first end whereof is free, andin the lengthwise direction whereof the underlay is suspended.

The length of the support member is advantageously designed so that oneunderlay can be suitably suspended thereto, and that it is easilyfastened to the structures of the premises.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the support frame comprises atleast one essentially vertical support member, whereto the horizontalsupport member is connected.

By means of the vertical support member, the fastening of the supportframe to the wall structures of the premises can be carried out forinstance at the height of 0.5 . . . 1.0 m from the floor, and ifnecessary supported against the floor.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the support frame comprises a legmember, which is attached to the vertical support member and is arrangedto extend to underneath the underlay.

Thus the horizontal support member, the vertical support member and theleg member together form, when seen from the side, a U-shaped structure,where the major part of the patient's weight against the horizontalsupport member is directed towards the floor via the leg member. Thismeans that the fastening of the support frame to the structures of thepremises can be realized with equipment with a fairly light structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the leg member is formed of anelongate bar, which is on the same vertical level as the horizontalsupport member. Such a structure makes the support frame remarkablylighter, at the same time maintaining a good solid strength and supportcapacity.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the support frame is detachablyfastened to the structures of the premises.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the support frame is detachablyfastened to the structures of the premises, and in similar fashion itcan be fastened to a transport couch, particularly to the transportcouch of the patient.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the structures of the premises areprovided with a first socket member, and the transport couch is providedwith a second socket member, and the bed is provided with fasteningmeans which can be connected both to the first and the second socketmember.

When the patient is being moved from one room to another on thetransport couch, the support frame of the bed can be coupled to thetransport couch and be transported along with the patient. Then thesupport frame of the bed can again be fastened to a suitable, speciallyreserved spot. The patient can be left lying on the couch to wait fortreatment. Now the transport couch can again be used for moving otherpatients.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the support frame is attached atits vertical support member, essentially turnably on the horizontallevel, to the fastening means.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the bed includes a haulingapparatus, whereby the underlay can be raised and lowered with respectto the floor level.

The steps of horizontal turning and vertical adjusting of the underlaycan be used in various nursing measures carried out for the patient.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the bed includes a haulingapparatus which is connected to the essentially vertical support memberprovided in the support frame, by means of which hauling apparatus atleast the horizontal support member and the underlay suspended therefromcan be raised or lowered.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the hauling apparatus comprises atleast one fluid cylinder. Generally speaking the transmission equipment,particularly the hauling apparatus, can be formed of manually operatedpower means such as a bottle jack, or of electric, pneumatic orhydraulic power actuators and power transmission means connectedthereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, there is provided at least onecrossbar in connection with the support member, the arms of the crossbarbeing at an angle with respect to the horizontal support member andconnected to the underlay by means of straps or other such suspendingmeans.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the crossbar is fastened to thehorizontal support member by means of fastening members, so that thecrossbar can be moved along the horizontal support member and locked ata desired point. Thus the crossbar can be adjusted to an advantageousspot so that the underlay and hence the patient are firmly and securelyin the support of the support member.

Generally the number of these crossbars is one or two. They areinstalled in the support member at the patient's shoulders and, in casethere are two, at the patient's knees, supposing that the patient restson the underlay. The arms of the crossbars are either stationary,folding or adjustable with respect to the horizontal support member.They can also be constructed in a telescopic fashion of nested parts.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, there is at least one additionalmember provided at the free end of the support member, whereby thesupport member can be lengthened. It can be fitted, for instance, mostlywithin the support member, and pulled out therefrom to form acontinuation to the support member. Thus the support member can belengthened when necessary.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the straps or other suchsuspension means are arranged on rollers. The rollers are provided inconnection with the horizontal support member and/or crossbar, and theycan be provided with for example mechanical or electric rotation meansin order to facilitate the reeling of the straps. When the bed is not inuse, the straps are in rest position wound on the rollers, from whichrollers the straps are again easily pulled down and fastened to theunderlay.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the rollers are charged withsprings so that the straps are in the rest position, wound on therollers, when the bed is not in use, from which rollers the straps canbe pulled out and fastened to the underlay when the bed is being used.The employed spring-charged rollers can be any of the known types, suchas the strap-and-roller types used in connection with car safety belts.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the underlay comprises a bottompart which is made of some flexible material, and support rails, whichare fitted at least on the long sides of the underlay. Advantageouslythe support rails are fitted on all sides of the underlay andinterconnected so that they form a frame for the underlay.

The support rails are advantageously fastened to the underlay in adetachable fashion. While using the bed of the present invention, thestraps are easily fastened at four points to the support rails locatedon the long sides of the underlay, in the vicinity of the ends of theunderlay. In practice such an underlay is a cot-like bed where thepatient gets a comfortable rest.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed the underlay is formed of net.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed the underlay is made of somewaterproof material.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed the bottom of the underlay is madeof two layers: a first layer, which is made of some material wellpermeable to air and water, such as net or some resembling material; andof a second layer, which is made of some waterproof material such asplastic foil; and which second layer can be detachably fastened underthe first layer.

Normally the patient lies on the first layer of the underlay. The secondlayer is used when the patient is washed, in which case it is producedand fastened under the first layer. The first layer is advantageouslymade of some water-repellent material, so that it does not absorb waterin connection with the washing.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the second layer of the underlayis arranged to be rolled on a roller along the long side of theunderlay, wherefrom it can be drawn to under the first layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed that layer of the underlay which ismade of waterproof material is provided with an aperture whereto adischarge hose can be connected. This underlay can be used while washingthe patient, in which case the washing water is conducted, via the hose,to a sewer or other receptable where water can be collected. When thewashing of the patient is arranged thus, it can be carried outconveniently in bed.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the underlay is provided with anaperture for a bedpan. This aperture is advantageously provided with ahatch which is made of the same material as the underlay. This hatch isopened when necessary. Thus it is not necessary to lift the patient upfrom the underlay, but the bedpan is arranged underneath the underlay,at the aperture provided therein.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, the underlay includes aninsulating layer, which is detachably fastened underneath the underlay.By means of this insulating layer the patient keeps warm and does notget cold underneath. Generally there is not used a mattress and usuallynot even a sheet in between the patient and the underlay.

In a preferred embodiment of the bed, in connection with the supportframe there are arranged means for measuring the weight of the patient.The weighing is carried out easily by means of the measuring sensor ordevice installed in connection with the bed.

An advantage of the invention is that the bed is simple and reduced instructure.

Another advantage of the invention is that the bed is particularlysuited for non-ambulant chronic patients.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the underlay connected tothe bed can be modified in many different ways according to the needs.

Further, owing to the invention it is not necessary to lift the patientout of bed when he must be taken for instance to separate nursingpremises, but the patient can be moved with suitable transport equipmentwhile he is lying in his own bed.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the patient on hisunderlay can be suspended, after being transported from one room toanother, to the support of the support frame arranged in the newpremises.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that in a preferred embodimentof the invention, the support frame can be moved, on a suitable shiftingplatform, as a while for instance from the dormitory to a nursing room.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the height of theunderlay from the floor can be adjusted.

Another further advantage of the invention is that the support memberand at the same time the underlay can be turned on the horizontal level.

Furthermore, the maintenance, such as cleaning, of the premises becomeseasier owing to the present invention.

Moreover, owing to the invention and particularly to the versatility ofthe underlay, the nursing measures such as washing the patient andadjusting the bedpan, become easier.

Moreover, owing to the invention the patient rests on an underlay whichis easily air-conditioned.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the underlay conformsflexibly to the movements of the patient, so that the formation ofbedsores is prevented or at least reduced.

Further, owing to the invention less personnel is required for takingcare of the patients.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that it remarkably facilitatesthe work of the nursing personnel, and increases their safety at work.

Moreover, owing to the invention the transport of the patients can becarried out irrespective of the conditions, for instance in narrow,crowded spaces.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that in connection with thebed of the present invention, there can be used many different types ofunderlays, which are designed for different uses.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the structures of thebed, particularly the horizontal support member above it, can beutilized in the nursing or auxiliary measures for instance forsuspending various devices such as rehabilitation and training devices.This is possible because the support member extending above the bed doesnot necessarily include any obstacles for the instalment of auxiliarydevices.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the bed can easily beprovided with means for weighing the patient. Controlling the patient'sweight is important particularly with certain patient groups, such asnon-ambulant old people.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention and its advantages are explained in moredetail with reference to the appended drawings, where

FIG. 1 illustrates a bed as seen from the side;

FIG. 2 illustrates another bed as seen from the side;

FIG. 3 illustrates the bed of FIG. 2 as seen from the top;

FIG. 4 illustrates a third bed as seen from the side;

FIG. 5 illustrates the bed of FIG. 4 as seen from the top;

FIG. 6 illustrates the crossbar connected to the horizontal supportmember of the bed;

FIG. 7 illustrates the joining of the support frame of the bed to thetransport couch;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate details from FIG. 7, seen along the sectionsF--F and G--G;

FIG. 9 illustrates an underlay seen from the top;

FIG. 10 illustrates the underlay of FIG. 9, seen from the side;

FIG. 11 illustrates another underlay seen from the top;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the underlay of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of an underlay which is providedwith heat insulation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The bed of the present invention comprises the underlay 1, on top ofwhich the patient is arranged to lie; a support frame 2, which comprisesan essentially horizontal support member 2a, and an essentially verticalsupport member 2b, which horizontal support member 2a is arranged abovethe underlay; and suspension means 3, such as straps, whereby theunderlay 1 is suspended from the horizontal support member 2a.

The support frame 2 is attached to the structures of the premises, forinstance to the wall 5, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this case thesupport frame 2 is fastened to the wall with fastening means, such asstuds 5, at the vertical support member 2b.

The support member 2a is formed of an at least roughly horizontal,elongate bar, the first end whereof is free and the second end whereofis connected to the vertical support member 2b, which also is formed ofan elongate bar. The support members 2a and 2b can be interconnected inan arched or angular fashion.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the horizontal support member 2aof the support frame 2 is provided with a continuation 6. This is fittedat least partly inside the support member 2a, and can be pulled out toform a continuation for the support member 2a when the need arises tolengthen the support member 2a. Thus the distance of the suspendingmeans 3 from each other can be lengthened, so that there can be used along underlay 1, or shortened, so that a short underlay 1 is used,depending on the length of the patient.

In connection with the support member 2a there is provided a crossbar 4.The arms 4a, 4b of the crossbar 4 are placed at an angle, advantageously90°, with respect to the support member 2a.

The suspension means 3, which in the following are generally calledstraps, can be formed of members of a given length, which members areflexible and bendable but maintain their length.

The underlay 1 is fastened, by means of the straps 3, to the supportmember 2a of the support frame 2, above the underlay 1, at least whenthe bed is being used. The support points C, D, E of the straps 3 in thesupport frame 2, i.e. in the support member 2a and the connectedcrossbar 4 and continuation 6, are located at intervals from each other.At least one for instance C, of the support points is located outsidethe line drawn via the other support points D, E. Thus the underlay 1 issupported against the support frame at three points C, D, E falling onthe apices of a triangle, preferably an equilateral triangle. In thatcase the patient P lies in the bed in a stabile fashion, in the supportof the support frame 2.

The said fastening points C, D are in FIG. 3 located at the ends of thearms 4a, 4b of the crossbar 4, wherefrom the arms 4a, 4b are connected,by means of the straps 3, to the sides of the underlay 1, on both sidesof the top part of the patient's body. In FIG. 3 the third support pointE is located at the end of the auxiliary member 6, where the straps 3are fastened at their other end, and further connected to the sides ofthe underlay 1, on both sides of the patient's feet.

The free end of the support member 2a, or the continuation 6 connectedthereto, can also be provided with another crossbar 7 which in structurecorresponds to the crossbar 4. This second crossbar is illustrated withdotted lines in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Thus for instance the foot of thepatient's bed can be lifted in similar fashion as the head.

It is, however, maintained that in most cases the attaching of thefastening members directly to the support member 2a (or continuation 6)is a fully satisfactory measure, and the patient can rest in a perfectlysafe and stabile fashion in an underlay thus suspended.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the bed comprises a haulingapparatus 8. It is connected to the vertical support member 2b. Therebythe vertical support member 2b can be raised and lowered, so thatsimultaneously the horizontal support member 2a and the underlay 3suspended thereto rise or descend.

The hauling apparatus 8 can be realized with a gear rack and gear wheelcombination, where the gear rack is arranged in connection with thesupport member 2b. The gear wheel can be rotated with a suitable powermeans such as a hand crank or an electric motor. Alternatively thehauling apparatus can also be realized with a fluid cylinder, wheretothe fluid is fed by means of a hand pump or suitable actuator, such as apump operated with an electric motor.

The hauling apparatus 8 is connected to the fastening means 9, such as aflange, whereby the support frame 2 of the bed is fastened to the wall Sof the premises by means of studs 5 or other corresponding fasteningmeans.

The support frame 2 of the bed is attached, at the vertical supportmember 2b and turnably around the axis B--B, to the hauling apparatus 8.The support frame 2, particularly the horizontal support member 2a, canthus be turned at a predetermined angle α from the basic position, whichis perpendicular to the wall structure S, to either side thereof. Thesupport frame 2 can be locked in a desired position.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, there is illustrated a third bed according to theinvention. The support member 2a of the support frame 2 is adjusted at asmall angle β (for instance 5°) with respect to the horizontal plane,and it is diagonally connected to the vertical support member 2b. Thevertical support member 2a is fitted in a tubular member 10, which isattached to the wall S by means of fastening members 11.

The vertical support member 2b of the support frame 2 is fastened to thetubular member 10 by means of an annular support member such as asliding bearing. The sliding bearing 12 rests above the top part of thetubular member 10 either freely or suitably attached thereto. Thevertical support member 2b is provided with a bracket, such as a pin 13or an annular flange. This bracket 13 is suitably fastened to thevertical support member 2b, and thereon the support frame 2 rests on topof the sliding bearing 12 and the tubular member 10.

The horizontal support member 2a of the support frame 2 isadvantageously locked in place, so that it cannot be turned in thedirection of the axis B--B of the vertical support member 2b. This canbe realized with a mechanical locking member that locks the tubularmember 10 and the support member 2b suitably together. When necessary,the locking member can be opened and the horizontal support member 2atogether with the connected underlay 1 can be turned.

The support frame 2 of the bed comprises, in addition to the horizontaland vertical support members 2a, 2b, a leg support 2c. The leg support2c is connected to the vertical support member 2b, and it is directed tounderneath the underlay 1 on the same vertical level as the horizontalsupport member 2a. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the leg member2c is attached to the end of the vertical support member 2b that reachesthrough the tubular member 10. Advantageously the leg member 2c is anelongate bar, the free end whereof, located underneath the underlay 1,is supported against the floor L.

At its free end the leg member 2c can be provided with one or severalwheels, rollers or the like members. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and5, the free end of the leg member 2c is supported with a cross-bar 14,which is provided with small wheels or rollers 15 at intervals from eachother.

In connection with the roughly horizontal support member 2a of thesupport frame 2, there is provided a crossbar 16 in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.The crossbar 16 is attached to the support member 2a by means offastening members so that it can be moved along the support member 2aand locked in place at a desired point.

In this case the fastening members include an aperture 17 or a similarmember of the crossbar 16, wherethrough the support member 2a isarranged to pass, a hole 18 in the crossbar and a number of apertures,such as holes 19, which are arranged at intervals from each other inconnection with the horizontal support member 2a, and a pin 20 orsimilar locking member. The pin 20 is inserted in the holes 18, 19, inwhich case the crossbar is locked in place. The crossbar 16 ispositioned, on a suitable spot in the horizontal support member 2a, sothat the underlay 1 complete with the patient is safely suspended fromthe support frame 2.

The straps 3 are arranged, according to FIG. 6, on rollers 21. Theserollers 21 are placed in the crossbar 16, in the vicinity of thefastening point of the support member 2a, parallel to the support memberand at the same time to the lengthwise axis A--A of the underlay 1. Atthe ends 16a, 16b of the arms of the crossbar 16, there are installedfolding wheels 22, wherethrough the straps 3 are arranged to pass, as isseen from FIG. 6.

In the vicinity of the free end of the support member 2a of the supportframe 2, there is arranged a second set of rollers 23 on both sides ofthe support member 2a, so that the axes thereof are parallel to thelengthwise axis A--A of the support member. The second set of rollers 23is provided with straps 3 in similar fashion as the first set 21.

The rollers 21, 23 are advantageously charged with springs so that thestraps are in their rest position wound on the rollers 21, 23. From therollers 21, 23 the straps can be pulled down from the crossbar 16 orfrom the support member 2a, and fastened to the underlay 1 by means ofclasps 24 or other such fastening means.

The straps 3 arranged on the rollers 21, 23 are of defined lengths. Thelengths of the straps are such that the underlay 1 complete with thepatient P rests at a suitable height from the floor, for instance 60 . .. 70 cm. Alternatively the rollers 21, 23 can be provided with lockingmembers in order to prevent winding or lengthening of the strap afterthe desired height of the underlay has been set.

The patient is placed in the bed of the present invention as follows. Atransport couch is used as an aid in the process. The underlay 1 isarranged on top of the transport couch for the patient, whereafter thepatient is lifted on top of the underlay 1 and the transport couch. Thepatient is transported on the couch to beside the bed of the invention,to underneath the horizontal support member 2a of the support frame 2.Thereafter the straps 3 are pulled down from the rollers 21, 23, andfastened at the sides of the underlay 1, in the vicinity of both endsthereof, on the left and right sides of the patient. Thereafter thetransport couch is lowered, until the underlay 1 complete with thepatient P rests freely from the straps 3 in the support of the supportframe 2. Now the transport couch can be removed.

If the bed of the invention is provided with a hauling apparatus 8 as inFIG. 2 and 3, the height of the transport couch does not necessarilyhave to be adjustable. In that case the hauling apparatus 8 is utilizedwhile shifting the patient onto the underlay, to be supported by thesupport member 21 by means of the straps 3.

The support frame 2 of the bed of the invention can be detachablyfastened to the structures of the premises, for instance to the wall. Onthe other hand, the support frame can be detachably fastened to asuitable transport couch, for example the transport couch of thepatient. One such arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The support frame 2 is provided with fastening means 25 and thestructures of the premises, for instance the wall S of the patient room,is provided with a first socket member 26 and the transport couch 28with a second socket member 27. The first socket member 26 is formed ofa plate-like housing 29 provided with a number of brackets such as pins30, and the first set of locking members 31. These locking membersinclude at least two lock bolts 31a or similar members, which arefastened so that they can be moved in a direction parallel to thesurface of the housing 29.

The vertical support member 2b of the support frame 2 is provided withfastening means 25 including a fastening flange 32 with holes 33 for thepins 30 of the first socket member 26, and a first set of nests 34a forthe lock bolts 31a or corresponding members of the locking members 31 ofthe first socket member. The fastening members 25 also include a secondset of nests 34b for the second set of locking members 38. The fasteningflange 32 also is provided with a second set of brackets, such as pins35.

The second socket member 27 of the transport couch 28 is provided with arecess 36 for the vertical support member 2b of the support frame 2 andfor the tubular member 10, with apertures 37 whereto the second set ofpins 35 of the fastening members 25 can be fitted, and further a secondset of locking members 38, which are advantageously similar as the firstset of locking members 31. The lock bolts 38a of the second set oflocking members 38 can be locked to the second set of nests 34b providedin connection with the fastening members 25.

The locking members 31, 38 and nests 34a, 34b provided in the fasteningmembers 25 and socket members 26, 27 together form two sets of fastcoupling means, whereby the support frame 2 can be easily attached tothe wall structure and detached therefrom, and respectively the supportframe 2 can be easily attached to the transport couch 28 and detachedtherefrom.

The coupling of the support frame 2 on one hand to the wall S of thepremises, and on the other hand to the transport couch 28, takes placeas follows. In FIG. 7 the support frame 2 is attached to the wall S. Theholes 33 of the fastening flange 32 of the fastening members 25 arefitted to the first set of pins 30 of the firs socket member, and thebolts 31a of the locking members 31 of the socket member are inserted tothe nests 34a of the fastening flange 32. When the support frame 2 isdesired to be attached to the transport couch 28, it is moved so thatfirst comes the end provided with the recess 36, to against the verticalsupport member 26 of the support frame 2 and the tubular member 10, sothat the pins 35 provided in the fastening flange 32 match the apertures37 of the transport couch 28. Thereafter the bolts 38a of the lockingmembers 38 of the transport couch 28 are shifted and locked in the nests34b of the fastening flange 32, so that the transport couch 28 iscoupled to the fastening members 25. Thereafter the bolts 31a of thelocking members 31 of the first socket member 26 are released and pulledout of the nests 34a of the fastening flange 32, so that the fasteningflange 32 can be drawn, together with the transport couch 28, apart fromthe pins 30 of the socket member 26. Now the support frame 2 is attachedto the end of the transport couch 28 with fastening members. In acorresponding fashion but opposite order, the support frame 2 togetherwith fastening members 25 can be reattached either to the same socketmember 26 or to a similar socket member 26 in other premises.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a schematical illustration of an underlay 1. Inwidth and length this underlay corresponds at least roughly to a normalbed. The underlay 1 comprises the bed bottom 40 and the frame 41. Thebottom 40 is formed of some flexible, advantageously thin material,which, however, carries even a heavy patient well. The frame 41 isformed of support rails 42, which are fitted on all sides of the bottom40. Along the sides of the bottom 40, there are formed tubular passages,where the support rails 42 are inserted and then connected to eachother. In order to fasten the clasps 24 of the straps 3, there areprovided apertures 43 on the sides of the bottom 40. Now the clasps 24are easily inserted through the apertures 43 and fastened to the supportrails 42.

The bottom 40 of the underlay 1 can be made of many different materials,such as cloth or net. FIG. 11 illustrates an underlay 1, the bottom 40whereof is made of net. The bottom is most advantageously made of somesuch material that can be left under the patient when the patient is puton the transport couch and taken for instance to the examination roomsof the hospital. Thus the shift from the transport couch back to thesuport of the support frame 2 naturally becomes easier, because theunderlay 1 is continuously under the patient.

The bottom 40 can be made for example of some waterproof material suchas plastic. The bottom 40 is provided with an aperture 44, which is mostadvantageously placed in the middle region of the underlay. To thisaperture 44, there can be connected a hose 45 for instance by means of asuitable bayonet catch 46. The hose 45 can be conducted from theaperture 44 of the underlay further to a sewer or other vessel wherewater can be collected. This type of underlay 1 is suitable to be usedas a shower basin, where the patient can be conveniently washed.

The bottom 40 of the underlay 1 can be made of two different parts, asis shown in FIG. 12. The first bottom part 40a is made of net or othersuch material, which is well permeable to air and water. The second part40b is made of some waterproof material, such as plastic foil. Thesecond part 40b is arranged on a roller 47 along the long side of theunderlay 1, wherefrom it can be drawn to underneath the first part 40a.The second bottom part 40b can be attached, with suitable fasteningmeans, to the frame 41 of the underlay 1. The second part 40b is usedwhen the patient is washed for instance by means of a shower. When thesecond part 40b is not needed, it is rolled along the long side of thebed bottom 40. This second bottom part can naturally be provided with acorresponding aperture 44, whereto a hose can be fastened by means of asuitable catch, in similar fashion as was explained in connection withthe underlay 1 of FIGS. 9 and 10.

It is advantageous to provide the bottom 40 of the underlay 1 with anaperture 48 for a bedpan (marked with dotted lines in FIGS. 9 and 10).This aperture is adjusted on the bottom, in an area where the patient'sbuttocks rest when he is lying on the underlay 1. This aperture 48 isused for collecting the excretion, i.e. urine and excrement, of thepatient. Accordingly, a bedpan is adjusted underneath this aperture, sothat the patient can relieve himself. This arrangement means aremarkable help in treating chronic patients in hospitals, because nowthe nurse doe snot have to lift the patient manually out of bed and thenadjust the bedpan, which is uncomfortable for the patient.

The aperture 48 for the bedpan can be arranged by means of a hatch 49,as is illustrated in FIG. 11. The hatch 49 is a stretch of the bottom40, which can be turned aside from underneath the patient when thebedpan is needed.

The underlay 1 can be provided underneath with heat insulation, as isshown in FIG. 13. In this case the underlay 1 comprises a heatinsulation layer 50, which in all essential length and width measurescorresponds to those of the underlay 1. It is detachably fastened underthe underlay 1 for instance by means of straps 51 or other suitablefastening means. The straps 51 are attached for example by means ofclasps to the support railings 42 located on the long sides of theunderlay 1, and are brought under the insulation layer and fastened tothe other support railing 42 on the opposite side. The heat insulationlayer 50 can be formed of a suitable heat insulating material known assuch, for instance of felt, polyurethane or the like.

In the bed of the present invention, particularly in connection with thesupport frame thereof, there can be provided means for measuring thepatient's weight. For example in between the bearing 12 of the verticalsupport member and the tubular member 10 in FIG. 4, there can beinstalled a power sensor 52 which measures compressive force. By meansof this, the total weight of the support frame 2, the connectedequipment plus the patient P can be measured. The signal obtained fromthe power sensor 52 is processed with some suitable processor 53, suchas microprocessor, and the patient's weight is indicated for example ina digital display 54.

In the above specification the invention has been mainly explained withreference to a few preferred embodiments, but it is pointed out that theinvention can be modified in many ways within the scope of theinventional idea defined in the appended patent claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus secured to a vertical wall structure forsupporting a patient comprising:a support frame (2) having a verticallyextending arm portion (2b), a horizontally extending arm portion (2a)and a crossbar (4) mounted on said horizontally extending arm portion(2a), said vertically extending arm portion (2b) having a vertical axis,said horizontal arm portion (2a) having a free end, and said crossbar(4) having a first end and a second end; a transfer underlay (1) havingsupport rails (42) interconnected to define a perimeter and a flexiblebed bottom (40) attached to said support rails (42) around saidperimeter; means for suspending said transfer underlay (3) from saidhorizontally extending arm portion (2a); and means for adjusting saidsupport frame (2) connected to said vertical extending arm portion andto the vertical wall structure for lifting and lowering said supportframe (2) and for rotating said support frame (2) about said axis ofsaid vertically extending arm portion (2b).
 2. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said means for suspending said transfer underlay (3)is attached to said first end of said crossbar (4), said second end ofsaid crossbar (4) and to said free end of said horizontally extendingarm portion (2a) with two support points defining a line, for locatingat least one of said support points outside the line defining the othertwo support points.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising means for adjusting said transfer underlay toward and awayfrom said horizontal arm portion (2a), said means for adjusting beingmounted on said support frame (2).
 4. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein said horizontally extending arm portion (2a) furthercomprises a horizontally slidable telescopic sleeve portion (6) having afree end support point.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid means for suspending said transfer underlay (3) is attached to saidfirst end of said crossbar (4), said second end of said crossbar (4) andto said free end of said telescopic sleeve portion (6).
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said flexible bed bottom transfer underlay(1) further comprises:support rails interconnected to define aperimeter; a first bottom part (40a) permeable to air and water andattached to said support rails about said perimeter; and a secondwaterproof bottom part (40b) for collecting wash water, said secondwaterproof part being detachably fastened underneath said first bottompart (40a).
 7. The transfer underlay (1) according to claim 6, whereinsaid second bottom part (40b) is movable from a first stored position toa second extended position.
 8. The transfer underlay (1) according toclaim 6, wherein said second bottom part (40b) has a discharge aperture(44) for discharging said wash water.
 9. The transfer underlay (1)according to claim 6, wherein said transfer underlay is provided with anaperture (48) for a bedpan.
 10. The transfer underlay (1) according toclaim 6, further comprising a heat insulation layer (50) which isdetachably fastened to said first bed bottom (40a).
 11. An apparatusmountable on a wall structure for supporting a patient, comprising:atubular coupling member (10) connectable to the wall structure along avertical axis for allowing the apparatus to be attached to the wallstructure, said tubular member having an upper end and a lower end andbeing detachable from the vertical wall structure; a support frame (2)having a vertically extending arm portion (2b) having a vertical axis, ahorizontally extending arm portion (2a) having a longitudinal axis and acrossbar, said horizontally extending arm portion (2a) having a freeend, said crossbar (4) being mounted on said horizontally extending armportion (2a) and having a first end and a second end, said support frame(2) being attached to said upper end of said tubular coupling member; abottom support carriage (2c) extending substantially longitudinally ofthe axis of the horizontally extending arm portion (2a), said supportcarriage (2c) having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal endof said support carriage (2c) being attached to said lower end of saidtubular coupling member, said tubular coupling member (10), said supportframe (2), and said bottom support carriage (2c) being movable away fromthe wall structure as an unit.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11,wherein said horizontally extending arm portion (2a) further comprises ahorizontally slidable telescopic sleeve portion (6) having a free endsupport point.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein saidmeans for suspending said transfer underlay (3) is attached to saidfirst end of said crossbar (4) said second end of said crossbar (4) andto said free end of said telescopic sleeve portion (6).
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a transport couch(28) attachable to said tubular coupling member (10) for transportingthe patient, said transport couch (28) positioned along saidlongitudinal axis of said horizontally extending arm portion (2a). 15.The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said tubular couplingmember (10) is detachable from the vertical wall structure, said tubularcoupling member (10), said support frame (2), said bottom supportcarriage (2c), said transport couch (28) and said transfer underlay (1)being movable away from the wall structure as an unit.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein said transport couch (28) is detachablefrom said tubular coupling member (10).
 17. The apparatus according toclaim 11, further comprising means for adjusting said transfer underlay(8) toward and away from said horizontal arm portion (2a), said meansfor adjusting being mounted on said support frame (2).
 18. The apparatusaccording the claim 11, wherein said vertical support member (2a) isrotatable about said vertical axis.
 19. The apparatus according to claim11, wherein said crossbar (4) is movable along said horizontal supportmember (2a) and lockable into a set position along said horizontalsupport member (2a).
 20. The apparatus according to claim 11, furthercomprising means for adjusting said transfer underlay toward and awayfrom said horizontal arm portion (2a), said means of adjusting beingmounted at said first and second ends of said crossbar (4) and at saidfree end of said telescopic sleeve portion (6).
 21. The apparatusaccording to claim 11 wherein said bed bottom (40) is a net material.22. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means formeasuring the weight of the patient, said means for measuring beingmounted on said vertical support member (2b).